Toxic Exposures and Women’s Health: Emerging Research and Global Solutions

In honor of International Women’s Day 2025, Pure Earth hosted a virtual webinar on the critical issue of pollution’s impact on women’s health. Expert panelists included:

• Jaclyn Bowen, Executive Director of The Clean Label Project
• Dr. Alejandra Cantoral, Professor at Universidad Iberoamericana
• Dr. Laura Geer, Associate Professor at the SUNY Downstate, School of Public Health
• Dr. Kathrin Schilling, Assistant Professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center of Environmental Health Sciences.

Dr. Kathrin Schilling presented her research on heavy metal contamination in menstrual product samples from the U.S. and Europe. Her findings revealed higher levels of heavy metals in non-organic tampons, including the presence of dangerous toxicants like lead, zinc, and cadmium. Watch Kathrin Schilling’s presentation here. 

Dr. Alejandra Cantoral presented on common lead exposure sources in Mexico, covering dietary sources of exposure in addition to other sources. In a sample of the most commonly consumed foods in Mexico, lead was present in 18% of tested food items. Dr. Cantoral also covered the lead exposure risks that affect women most, with sources like the use of lead-glazed ceramics being linked to higher blood lead levels in Mexican women. Watch Alejandra Cantoral’s presentation here. 

Jaclyn Bowen presented her work with the Clean Label Project, testing for contaminants in consumer products and revealing surprising new research findings on heavy metal contamination in prenatal vitamins. She also discussed the new California regulation requiring baby food manufacturers to test a sample of their products for heavy metals. Watch Jaclyn Bowen’s presentation here. 

Dr. Laura Geer presented research on the impacts of mercury exposure on prenatal development. Her research found that higher fish consumption from pregnant mothers was associated with higher cord blood and fetal mercury levels. She also covered her latest work alongside Pure Earth, developing the LERIC model, which allows for the evaluation of the costs associated with lead impacts from IQ decrement. Watch Laura Geer’s presentation here. 

In a panelist Q&A, speakers touched on the need for further research on the impacts of lead and heavy metal pollution on women’s health and addressed key audience questions. Watch the Panelist Q&A here.